After excelling to the top in all the written examinations and practicum, we need to face one more dreadful thing: Interview. Most of us dread interviews because, somehow, they are a different form of examination from what we are used to. Nervousness usually gets the better of us as we face the HR, the executives, and the Boss himself.

We found ourselves stuttering as if the cat got our tongue the moment they started to ask questions to us. We feel like they’re skinning us alive, that’s why we fear and dreaded interviews. If possible, we don’t want to face interviews, but we know that it’s inevitable.

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” – Arthur Ashe

How do we gather the confidence to face, overcome, and pass the interview session? Here are our top 4 interview tips for job seekers.

Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Your Responses

While it’s true that interviews differ from company to company, there are still fundamental questions that are common across various companies. Start building your interview and communication skills by reviewing these common interview questions and prepare your answer in advance. Some of the most common questions asked by interviewers are:

“Tell Us About Yourself”

We recommend that you state a brief introduction of yourself. Next, highlight your skills, work experience, and other credible things worth sharing from your past work. Remember that this is an interview session. They are more than interested in how you deal with work rather than your personal life. Therefore, do not share any personal issues that are not in line with the position you’re applying for.

“Why Should We Hire You?”

In answering this question, it is best to describe your important traits, strengths, and abilities that will make you qualified for the position. You don’t really need to share your skills here, as you’ve already introduced it before. Apart from that, your interviewer can scan your skills through the resume you submitted.

Interviewers are more than interested in how you deal with the actual operation (how you work), and how you deal with it to deliver the output your future employer expected from you. You can emphasize here things such as how you handle pressure and stress with grace. Also, you can highlight that you may not be perfect, but you take note of your mistakes, learn from them and that you don’t repeat the same error.

“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Review the background of your target company

It’s important for you to know the background of the firm you’re applying for. Since you’re interested in joining their organization, you’ll be expected to know about them. Research about them, their services, their works, anything interesting about them. In one way or another, they will ask you questions about their company to test your dedication and commitment. It’s important that you’re able to answer all questions to avoid making a fool of yourself.

Know what’s written in your resume/CV

Since you’re the one who wrote your own resume or CV, it’s only deemed appropriate that you know what exactly you wrote. That’s why we recommend that you’re completely honest with yourself. Write only the skills and work experience that you have. Don’t put other skills or abilities that you don’t know a soul about.

Don’t fabricate your resume just to impress your interviewer. Trust us when we say that your employer will be able to determine whether you’re lying or not. They will grill you about your skills and working experience just to get the truth out of you.

Always have a good first impression

Now that you’re already prepared to face the interview, it’s also important to give time and effort in grooming. Remember that your future employer will also rate you based on your appearance. Do not forget the right dress code (commonly a business attire) to look decent. Put some light makeup to be presentable.

Wear a smile when you face your interviewer. Having a graceful attitude will give you a good impression to your future employer. Grooming will boost your confidence during the interview.